How refreshing is it to be 'flicking' through Lookbook.nu and come across Stephanie Z, a 33 year old model, actress and fashion coach from Paris? Not only is she not 16 years old, she's also not a size 2, something she fully embraces and does with great success, not an easy feat given the choices out there for 'plus sized' women.
I'm not someone who likes to comment on weight regularly, personally, I prefer to be thin over large, it's my honest and mostly realistic opinion. Like many women I get upset if I gain weight. The weight issue in the industry is always a tough one and something I'm sure Stephanie is aware of being a fashion coach and plus size model. If a model is too thin, she is criticized, if a model is too large, she is criticized, actresses are criticized if they're not model thin – a ridiculously standard (as an actress and a size 8 myslef I often feel 'too large' for the industry – which is crazy!) That said, I'm not someone who also thinks promoting obesity as a positive body image is a good thing either. I'm obviously not suggesting Stephanie is obese, in fact, I'm guessing she's a UK 16…a national average.
I'm sorry to even touch on the weight issue here, but it's bound to be discussed as a result of this weeks 'Lookbooker of the Week' choice. Stephanie isn't small, but she IS beautiful and she IS incredibly stylish, which for 'Lookbooker of the Week' is the most important thing oui?
So the clothes… her style is incredibly feminine, it has a vintage feel which she toughens up with leather accessories such as motorcycle gloves and studded purses. She has a very 'pulled together' coherent look. Each outfit, whether daytime at the harbour or out on the town, is put together with great thought and detail. You can also sense the undeniable influence of Parisian fashion heroine, Coco Chanel within her looks, lady-like which a touch of frivolity and a smidgen of toughness.
Stephanie has a fashion blog: 'Le Blog De Big Beauty' all in French, but I definitely recommend checking it out for more detailed outfit posts. You can also check out her other looks here on her Lookbook page.
Thanks for the introduction, I think she’s great. I wouldn’t say I’m of the ‘Dove’ mindset, I actually like the models as they are (unless it’s too extreme, then I can’t look at them) because high fashion for me is all about fantasy. And for that reason I don’t want to see ‘me’ on the cover of my fashion magazines as some others are campaigning for. It’s my escape and an indulgence and I like it to be incongruent with my life.
But in real life, seeing women like Stephanie makes me feel good. Style is far more democratic than fashion as it’s there to be claimed, not something you need to be allowed into. It takes courage to put yourself out there like that when there are so many waiting to criticise, I’d love to have that kind of confidence. I read in Grazia recently about the ‘fatshionistas’ (they claim that’s what they call themselves) and while I have no qualms with the model types doing style blogs I am really happy to see this collective showing that you don’t need to look great in hot pants to be powerful.
Thanks for choosing her, and for reminding me to get the word out myself!
I really like this girl! Her style is very pretty, I’m going to look her up on Lookbook.Nu right now and check out her other looks!
well said.
great feature! it’s refreshing to see different body types/sizes rocking great fashion (i’m tired of seeing kate moss wannabees!) she’s truly inspirational <3